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• A multidimensional construct of safety climate is proposed, considering the most salient factors from the literature, and including psychological capital as a new factor. • This research contributes to the literature by being the first empirical research, that incorporates the psychological capital factor as an element affecting safety climate, especially in the construction sector studies. • Accurate methodological description. Descriptive analyses and Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to assess the quality of the measurement instrument and the hypotheses of the proposed model. • This study proposes and validates a structural model to explain workers' mental and physical health as a function of safety climate, mediated by job satisfaction. • The sample of Spanish construction workers was composed by all random observations contained in the EWCS of all workers in the Spanish sector, totaling 232 workers. • Workers' mental and physical health are influenced by several factors, including, but not limited to, safety climate, work-life balance, and job rewards and compensations. • This study provides some recommendations for construction company managers providing a ranking of all the factors affecting the safety climate and the workers' health. Introduction: The number of physical and mental problems caused by occupational accidents and diseases increases every year. To control them, the safety climate at work is a recognized critical factor. However, a widely applicable model to capture the safety climate for various industries and organizations is lacking. Method: This study proposes a theoretical model to measure the direct and indirect effects of safety climate on workers' physical and mental health, mediated by job satisfaction, in the construction sector. We propose a multidimensional construct of safety climate, considering the most salient factors from the literature, and including psychological capital as a new factor. Using data from the last wave of the European Working Conditions Survey (2015) in Spain, the proposed model was validated using structural equation modeling. Results: Our findings suggest that to further improve the mental health of construction workers, work-life balance and job rewards and compensation must be prioritized along with safety climate. As for physical health, safety climate and work-life balance are crucial. Finally, we provide some recommendations for construction company managers based on a ranking of all the factors affecting the safety climate and the workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional studies on diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis have focused on its incidence and related factors. However, the long-term changes caused by the disease remain unclear. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to elucidate the progression of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and its effects on physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinal alignment. We recruited 255 older adults (87 men and 168 women; average age, 71.3 years in 2014) who attended local health checkups in 2014 and 2020. Height, body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, grip strength, functional reach, and bone mineral density were measured. The prevalence, location, number of ossified contiguous vertebrae, and spinopelvic parameters were estimated using whole-spine standing radiographs. For health-related quality of life assessment, the Oswestry disability index and EuroQuol-5D were obtained. We performed a 1:1 case-control study with age and sex-matched patients with and without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and analyzed progression over a 6-year period. In 2014, 39 (15.3%) of 255 patients were diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (24 males and 15 females), which occurred more frequently in the elderly and males. In 2020, 12 (4.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and 28 (71.7%) of 39 patients diagnosed in 2014 showed varying degrees of progression. Compared with age- and sex-matched patients without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, patients with the condition had higher body mass index and lumbar bone mineral density, larger sagittal vertical axis, and greater T1-pelvic angle. Changes in physical function and spinal-pelvic parameters during the 6-year period did not differ between the groups. Over a 6-year period, the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis increased by 4.3%, and it progressed in 71.7% of patients. However, it had little effect on longitudinal physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinopelvic parameters in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated intramuscular fat (IMF) in quadriceps femoris (QF) and hamstring muscles in the middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We also examined the relationship between muscular infiltration of QF and hamstring muscles and muscle architecture and physical performance of the women with KOA.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 72 women were included. Body muscle and fat mass were measured by BIA, isometric muscle strength was evaluated by hand-held dynamometer. IMF and muscle architecture were calculated from rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VIM), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM) using B-mode ultrasonography. KOA-related symptoms and functions were assessed with KOOS. The functional performance assessments were evaluated with Stair Climbing Test, 20-Meter Walking Test.Results: Women with KOA had more IMF in RF, VIM, VL, VM and BF, ST, SM muscles compared to the healthy women. Pennation angles decreased as the IMF in the RF, VM, BF and ST decreased. As the IMF of the RF and VM increased isometric knee extensor strength decreased and KOOS symptom score, pain score and ADL score increased in women with KOA. Walking and stair climbing speed deteriorated as the IMF in RF, VIM, VM, BF increased in the middle-aged women. As the IMF in BF increased isometric knee flexor strength decreased and KOOS scores increased. Physical performance scores deteriorated as the IMF in BF increased in middle-aged women with KOA.Conclusion: IMF in QF and hamstring muscles were higher in the middle-aged women with KOA group compared with that in the healthy group. Weakness of the QF and hamstring muscles may due to the changes in architectural properties of muscle depending on muscular infiltration. IMF in knee muscles is an important determining factor in performance and physical function of middle-aged women with KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a modification of the phase-field tumor growth model given in [1] that leads to bounded, more physically meaningful, volume fraction variables. In addition, we develop an upwind discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme preserving the mass conservation, pointwise bounds and energy stability of the continuous model. Finally, some computational tests in accordance with the theoretical results are introduced. In the first test, we compare our DG scheme with the finite element (FE) scheme related to the same time approximation. The DG scheme shows a well-behavior even for strong cross-diffusion effects in contrast with FE where numerical spurious oscillations appear. Moreover, the second test exhibits the behavior of the tumor-growth model under different choices of parameters and also of mobility and proliferation functions. • Extension of phase-field tumor model to be pointwise bounded and energy-dissipative. • Development of DG scheme that preserves the pointwise bounds and is energy-stable. • Numerical experiments contrasting the DG approximation with a FE counterpart. • Simulations showing the effects of different mobility and proliferation functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling attacks such as machine learning attacks are pretty efficient in breaking hardware security primitives like silicon strong physical unclonable functions (PUFs). As compared to regular strong PUFs such as arbiter PUFs and lightweight (LW)-PUFs, subthreshold current array (SCA)-PUFs exhibit a better resilience against modeling attacks since they utilize the non-linear relationship between the subthreshold current and gate voltage of transistors to obfuscate the corresponding relationship between input challenge and output response. Unfortunately, the degree of non-linearity (DoNL) within SCA-PUFs is still not sufficiently high to resist against state-of-the-art modeling attacks. Therefore, to further enhance DoNL for resisting against modeling attacks, a new strong PUF architecture is proposed in this paper by embedding reconfigurable neural networks (RNNs) into SCA-PUFs. Mathematical foundations are established for finding appropriate RNNs that are able to maximize the DoNL of an SCA-PUF. As shown in the result, when state-of-the-art modeling attacks like Lagrange multiplier attacks (LMAs) are selected, the robustness of the proposed RNN-embedded SCA-PUF is enhanced over 20 times with less than 18.5% power and area overhead as compared to a regular SCA-PUF. • SCA-PUF utilizes the non-linear sunthreshold current of transistors. • SCA-PUF is quite vulnerable to advanced modeling attacks such as LMAs. • RNN-embedded SCA PUF resists LMAs by masking power side-channel information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In people with Parkinson's disease, what is the effect of adding external cueing (ie, visual, auditory or somatosensorial cueing) to walking training compared with walking training alone in terms of walking, mobility, balance, fear of falling and freezing? Are any benefits carried over to participation or maintained beyond the intervention period? Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analysis. Ambulatory adults with Parkinson's disease. Walking training with external cueing compared with walking training without external cueing. Walking (ie, speed, stride length and cadence), mobility, balance, fear of falling, freezing and participation. Ten trials involving a total of 309 participants were included. The mean PEDro score of the included trials was 5 (range 4 to 8). Walking training with auditory cueing improved walking speed by 0.09 m/s (95% CI 0.02 to 0.15) more than walking training alone. Although the best estimate was that auditory cueing may also improve stride length by 5 cm, this estimate was imprecise (95% CI –2 to 11). The addition of visual cueing to walking training did not improve walking speed or stride length. Results regarding cadence, mobility, balance, fear of falling, and freezing and maintenance of benefits beyond the intervention period remain uncertain. This systematic review provided low-quality evidence that walking training with auditory cueing is more effective than walking training alone for improving walking speed in Parkinson's disease. Cueing is an inexpensive and easy to implement intervention, so the mean estimate might be considered clinically worthwhile, although the confidence interval spans clinically trivial and worthwhile effects. PROSPERO CRD42021255065. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a stochastic memristor utilizing ultrathin native-SiO x films (∼2.7 nm) and dynamic Ag nanoclusters for constructing physical unclonable function (PUF) hardware. The atomically thin solid electrolyte allows for quantum-mechanical tunneling current at high resistance states, which exponentially increases the entropy between separated devices. This results in good uniformity (54.4%), uniqueness (53.7%), and reliability (98.75%) for the prototype native-SiO x mem-PUF array. Furthermore, the proposed device demonstrates reconfigurability for key refreshing and passes all 15 National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) tests, verifying the high randomness of the generated bits. Overall, this work highlights the potential of the ultrathin native-SiO x memristor for PUF applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-reported ambulation classification in 3 levels is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification was used to assess functional ambulation in relation to physical mobility status in polio survivors. • Self-reported functional ambulation consistently corresponded to differences in objective and self-reported physical mobility status. • Walked distance and physical functioning level primarily affected self-reported functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment in polio. The condensed 3-level version of the self-reported ambulation classification by Perry is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. To further validate the clinical meaning of the classification for polio survivors, we compared physical mobility status across 3 functional ambulation categories and investigated the relation between physical mobility and functional ambulation category. We investigated a convenience sample of 140 individuals with polio [mean (SD) age 59.4 (12.1) years; 74 men] who were able to walk at least indoors. For indicators of physical mobility status, we assessed the walked distance (m) and walking energy cost (Jkg−1m−1) during a 6-min walk test at a comfortable speed. Furthermore, self-reported physical functioning and fatigue were assessed with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical functioning scale (SF36-PF) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively. Self-reported functional ambulation was classified as household walker, limited community walker or full community walker. The mean (SD) walked distance, energy cost, and SF36-PF and FSS scores significantly differed between household walkers (n = 48) and limited community walkers (n = 63) [275 (67) m; 6.35 (1.80) Jkg−1m−1; 27.7 (13.5), 5.53 (1.06), respectively, and 323 (73) m; 5.49 (1.50) Jkg−1m−1; 40.1 (15.1); 4.81 (1.38) (P < 0.018)] and full community walkers (n = 29) [383 (66) m; 4.68 (0.85) Jkg−1m−1; 63.9 (18.5), 3.85 (1.54) (P < 0.001)], with significant differences also present between limited and full community walkers (P < 0.05). Walked distance and SF36-PF score were significantly associated with functional ambulation level, determining 46% of the variance in ambulation level. The simple, self-reported classification of functional ambulation in 3 levels is clinically meaningful for polio survivors because it consistently corresponds to differences in objective and self-reported indicators of physical mobility and, as such, can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear about whether the oral health has impact on physical performance. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between oral health and physical performance in 300 military adults in Taiwan. Oral health was assessed by the presence of periodontitis and dental caries. The status of cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance capacity was respectively assessed by tertiles of time for a 3000-m run and 2-min push-up numbers. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses with adjustments for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, blood pressure, anthropometric variables, lipid profile, fasting glucose and physical activity were used to determine the association. Participants with periodontitis were more likely to have worse 3000-m running performance classified in the lowest tertile [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval: 1.94 (1.03, 3.66)]. Participants with any dental caries were more likely to have worse push-ups performance classified in the lowest tertile [OR: 2.50 (1.27, 4.92)]. In linear regression analyses, dental caries numbers were inversely correlated with 2-min push-ups numbers [β = −1.04 (−2.07, −0.01)]. This study suggests that oral health is crucial to maintain physical fitness, and dental caries and periodontitis may affect differently on aerobic and muscular endurance capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Integrated Circuits becoming pervasive in all key industries and applications, PUF's has gained immense popularity for securing the IC's by providing unique identification code to each chip. Designing a highly efficient PUF with optimal values of uniqueness and reliability is a significant challenge. Uniqueness depends on process variations during chip fabrication, and reliability depends on the chip's ability to resist changes to supply voltage and temperature variations. Multiple PUF designs that employ reliability enhancement circuits and security algorithms achieve these design characteristics. Nonetheless, these techniques are design overheads. This paper presents a novel Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) based on the ProHys switch. It deals with hysteresis and proteresis mode of operation, which are complementary to each other. The Prohys PUF befittingly satisfies both uniqueness and reliability criteria, without any additional circuitry or security algorithms. It is the first attempt to design a PUF based on the ProHys switch to the best of our knowledge. The proposed ProHys PUF is designed in TSMC 180 nm CMOS technology, generating an inter-chip variation of 49.85% with 99.7% uniqueness. The minimum reliability of the circuit is 96.9% for a temperature range of -40 °C to 100 °C at a supply voltage range of 1.7V–1.9V. • A novel Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) based on ProHys switch is presented. • It satisfies uniqueness and reliability criteria without any additional circuitry. • This is the first attempt to design a ProHys based PUF, to the best of our knowledge. • Proposed PUF generates an inter-chip variation of 49.85% and uniqueness of 99.7%. • The minimum circuit reliability is 96.9% at a supply voltage range of 1.7 V–1.9 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various security measures for IoT devices have been introduced in recent years. One of the improvements is through the addition of cryptographic hardware along with the central core processor. As IoT devices are resource-constrained, area and power-efficient solutions are needed. Every cryptographic algorithm has a key generator that provides proper keys to encrypt and decrypt the data. This paper focuses on improving the key generators using Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). Execution of NIST-STS randomness test and evaluation of crucial performance parameters is done for the generated bit-stream by proposed PUF design. The proposed design is also compared with three designs from the literature based on area and power consumption which are essential parameters for resource-constrained IoT devices. For proposed design number of LUTs, FFs and power consumption are decreased up to 80%, 76% and 67%, respectively, when implemented on Xilinx Artix-7 FPGAs. • PUF based approach to be used for key generation. • A comparative study is done with RO, TERO, and Arbiter PUF. • The output bitstream of the proposed design also checked for randomness, entropy, uniqueness, steadiness, uniformity, and bit-aliasing. • Efficient key generator design for the cryptographic algorithm in terms of area and power consumption is identified as PDL-PUF based design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between frequently used patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and a multitask performance outcome (PerfO) measure of general physical function (PF) and to examine the association of these measures with depressive mood, pain, and age.Methods: Frequently used PRO measures of general PF (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] PF item bank, PROMIS PF Short Form 20a, Short Form 36 Physical Function Scale) and a PerfO test battery, namely, the Physical Performance Test (PPT), were administered to 78 adult patients from 3 inpatient clinics (cardiology and angiology, rheumatology and clinical immunology, and psychosomatic medicine) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the associations between PRO measures and the PPT. To explore the predictive value of age, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity, we conducted multiple linear regression analysis for each PF measure.Results: We found strong linear relationships between PRO measures and PPT sum scores. Correlations between PPT sum scores and PROMIS PF T-scores were r > 0.75. For all PRO and PerfO measures, age was a predictor of general PF whereas depressive mood was not found to be a relevant predictor. Moreover, pain intensity was found to be a significant predictor of PRO measures but not for PPT sum scores.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that frequently used PRO measures and a multitask PerfO measure of general PF can be used to measure a common PF construct. Nevertheless, PF scores based on PRO measures should ideally be controlled for self-rated pain intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are regarded as emerging hardware security primitives that can be used for generating secret keys for cryptographic algorithms. Unfortunately, the reliability issues greatly limit the applications of most PUFs since ambient noises and aging issues may alter the output responses of the PUFs. In this paper, a novel error calibration technique (ECT) based on average sampling circuit (ASC) and self-checking circuit (SCC) is proposed for significantly boosting the reliability of PUFs. The primary role of ASC is filtering the ambient noises that may affect the output responses of the PUFs. In contrast, SCC rehabilitates the PUFs once aging issues damage the process mismatches within the PUFs. As shown in the result, a PUF with the proposed ECT is able to achieve a 99% reliability with a 50 Mbps throughput. • Regular PUFs have poor reliability issues due to the effects of ambient noises and aging issues. • Error calibration technique (ECT) is able to the improve the corresponding reliability significantly by filtering critical noises. • An ECT-based PUF offers a high throughput without causing much area overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether responses to Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v2.0 - Physical Function 8c (PROMIS PF8c) items differed when the use of a 7-day recall period was compared with no specified recall period.Methods: Using a within-subject design, we surveyed 1810 individuals from the US general population, administering PROMIS PF8c at survey beginning and end. The order of measure presentation was randomly assigned. We calculated recall difference scores (RDSs) as no recall score minus 7-day recall score using both item response theory-based T scores and raw summed scores. We examined the distribution and created Bland-Altman plots for both RDSTscore and RDSRaw. We also calculated correlations between no recall versus 7-day recall T score and raw scores. Finally, we determined whether differences in no recall versus 7-day recall scores were associated with patient-reported PF.Results: RDSTscore and RDSRaw had means (root mean square differences) of 0.00 (5.43) and -0.04 (3.79), respectively. The vast majority (%) of RDSTscore and RDSRaw values fell between the Bland-Altman limits of agreement (-10.65 to 10.66 and -7.46 to 7.38, respectively). Pearson's correlations between no recall and 7-day recall for T scores and raw scores were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. Effect sizes for mean RDSTscore and RDSRaw compared across level of Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group performance status, patient global impression of PF severity, and single PF items were near 0.Conclusions: We did not find any significant recall period effect on PF8c responses. Therefore, we recommend the use of the PROMIS physical function standard, with no specified recall time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of long corrective fusion to the ilium on the physical function in elderly patients with adult spinal deformity and its correlation with spinopelvic parameters and health-related quality of life outcomes.Methods: We included 60 female patients who underwent long corrective fusion from T9 or T10 to the pelvis for adult spinal deformities (mean age of 69.8 years, range 55-78 years). The radiographic parameters, health-related quality of life outcomes using the Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument-22 and physical function assessments were reviewed preoperatively and at 1-year postoperatively.Results: All spinopelvic parameters, except for thoracolumbar kyphosis, and all domains of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcome Instrument-22 significantly improved at 1-year postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Physical function results, including those for one-leg standing time, timed up-and-go test, and 6-min walk tests, significantly improved at 1-year postoperatively (p < 0.005). Based on forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression, the predicted timed up-and-go test and 6-min walk test outcomes at 1-year postoperatively were as follows: timed up-and-go test, 7.8 + 0.47 × preoperative timed up-and-go test - 0.21 × 1-year postoperative grasping power +0.015 × 1-year postoperative C1 sagittal vertical axis (R2 = 0.6209, p < 0.0001); 6-min walk test, 309.2-9.1 × body mass index + 11.6 × 1-year postoperative grasping power + 3.3 × 1-year postoperative thoracolumbar kyphosis - 0.59 × 1-year postoperative C1 sagittal vertical axis (R2 = 0.4409, p < 0.0001).Conclusions: Corrective long fusion surgery for adult spinal deformity in normalizing sagittal alignment improves trunk balance and gait performance. Postoperative physical function depends on the preoperative physical performance status and skeletal muscle status; thus, preoperative interventions for improved physical function are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean discourse particle kulssey has been examined primarily as a response to a question in turn initial position, indicating the speaker's uncertainty or hesitation (e.g., 'well'). A detailed examination of 183 instances of kulssey in ordinary conversation shows that its usage and function are much more complex. Kulssey occurs in multiple positions (in the beginning, middle, or final position of a turn-constructional unit) and carries out various functions (indexing a prior turn or proposition, serving as a filler or prospective indexical, or retroactively adding the speaker's stance to a matter just reported) across discrete or sometimes even opposite contexts (i.e., claiming or disclaiming epistemic rights, displaying agreements or disagreements). By examining its interactional usage and developmental path, the study shows how kulssey 's origin as a deictic expression (kuleha-ta 'to be like that') is linked to its current ability to anaphorically and cataphorically index matters discussed in prior turns or about to be discussed in unfolding turns, and how this indexical function explains its mobility and versatility in talk-in-interaction. The findings are supported by diachronic and synchronic empirical examinations. • Kulssey is examined as it occurs through the progression of turns and sequences. • Kulssey appears in multiple turn-constructional unit positions for varied functions. • Kulssey 's interactional functions are tied to its origin as a deictic marker. • Its indexing function explains kulssey 's mobility, fluidity, and versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS) was proposed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association and refers to a scenario in which imminent future nursing care services will be required by elderly adults to manage the functional deterioration of their locomotive organs. It is a social imperative to clarify the risk factors and treatment strategy for LS. However, the relationship between LS and adult spinal deformity (ASD) in those who are treated with spinal corrective surgery remains largely unknown.Methods: Forty consecutive patients who had ASD and underwent spinal surgery for their disorder were included in this study. Locomotive dysfunction was evaluated using the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 (GLFS-25) questionnaire and physical performance tests including the one-legged standing test, the two-step test, the stand-up test, the handgrip strength, and gait speed test which were measured preoperatively, 6 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery.Results: Of the patients with ASD treated surgically, 95% of them had LS preoperatively and LS prevalence decreased significantly 1 year after surgery by 67.5% compared with the preoperative rate. Among physical performance tests, the walking stride and one-legged standing test improved significantly after spinal corrective surgery. The GLFS-25 items for the domains of pain, mobility, and domestic life improved overall postoperatively, whereas items in the self-care domain did not and the item for difficulty in putting on and taking off trousers and pants worsened.Conclusions: Spinal corrective surgery significantly improved physical performance tests as well as the frequency and severity of LS in patients with ASD. However, some GLFS-25 items can worsen after surgery and require attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 patients not taking antiviral drugs were more likely to retest positive. • Re-positivity had no effect on the recovery of respiratory and physical function. • The recovery of respiratory and physical function was related to COVID-19 severity. • Normal follow-up may suffice for patients who retest positive during rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory and physical function of patients who retested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA during post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rehabilitation. A total of 302 discharged COVID-19 patients were included. Discharged patients were followed up for 14 days to 6 months. The modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, Borg rating of perceived exertion, and manual muscle testing (MMT) scores on day 14 and at 6 months after discharge were compared between the redetectable positive (RP) and non-RP (NRP) groups. Prognoses of respiratory and physical function were compared between patients who recovered from moderate and severe COVID-19. Of the study patients, 7.6% were RP. The proportion of patients who used antiviral drugs was significantly lower in the RP group than in the NRP group. There were no differences in mMRC, Borg, or MMT scores within the RP and NRP groups. The mMRC, Borg, and MMT scores were worse for patients with severe disease when compared to those with moderate disease at both follow-up time points. COVID-19 patients who did not take antiviral drugs were more likely to be RP after discharge. The recovery of respiratory and physical function was not related to re-positivity during rehabilitation, but was related to disease severity during hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome (LS) is a predictive factor of future motor dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate the change in the total LS grade and, its the association with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score after total hip arthroplasty (THA) among patients with hip osteoarthritis.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study of 72 patients who underwent primary THA. The functional outcomes were measured before, and at 6 and 12 months after THA. LS was evaluated using the following tests: stand-up test, 2-step test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). In addition, factors affecting the improvement of LS grade were examined.Results: Prior to THA, 7% and 93% of patients were classified as LS grades 1 and 2. At 6 months after THA, an improvement in the total LS grade was observed in 57% of patients, with this percentage further increasing to 65% at 1 year. Only the preoperative GLFS-25 was correlated with the preoperative JOA hip scores. The postoperative GLFS-25 and the two-step test were correlated with the postoperative JOA hip scores. The preoperative functional reach test (FRT) was significantly correlated with the total LS grade improvement.Conclusions: THA can improve the total LS grade in 65% of patients at 1 year postoperatively. Improvement was largely achieved in the first 6 months after THA, with a change from LS grade 2 to grade 1. FRT could be used an indicator of the total LS grade improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Locomotive syndrome is a condition of reduced mobility due to problems with locomotive organs. Although lumbar spinal canal stenosis is one of the major diseases constituting locomotive syndrome, only few studies have focused on the association between the two pathologies. We aimed to investigate the effect of surgery on lumbar spinal canal stenosis with respect to locomotive syndrome using various physical function tests, including locomotive syndrome risk tests, before and after surgery.Methods: Clinical data of 101 consecutive patients (male = 46; female = 55; mean age, 69.3 years) who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis at our institute were prospectively collected. Results of physical function tests, including stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the sagittal vertical axis were evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. The association between several parameters and improvement of risk level in locomotive syndrome was evaluated.Results: In the total assessment, 93.1% of cases were in stage 2 and 6.9% in stage 1 preoperatively, while 72.4% were in stage 2, 22.4% in stage 1, and 5.2% in stage 0 at 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative improvement in the total assessment was observed in 28.7% of cases. Several physical function tests and sagittal vertical axis showed significant improvement after surgery. On multiple logistic regression analysis, age >75 years (odds ratio = 10.9, confidence interval = 1.09-109) and postoperative sagittal vertical axis >40 mm (odds ratio = 17.8, confidence interval = 1.78-177) were significant risk factors associated with non-improvement in risk level of locomotive syndrome.Conclusions: Surgical treatment for lumbar spinal canal stenosis improved physical function, including locomotive syndrome. Risk factors associated with non-improvement of locomotive syndrome were later-stage elderly and postoperative sagittal balance impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nitrate supplements can improve vascular and muscle function. Whether higher habitual dietary nitrate is associated with better muscle function remains underexplored.Objective: The aim was to examine whether habitual dietary nitrate intake is associated with better muscle function in a prospective cohort of men and women, and whether the relation was dependent on levels of physical activity.Methods: The sample (n = 3759) was drawn from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) (56% female; mean ± SD baseline age: 48.6 ± 11.1 y). Habitual dietary intake was assessed over 12 y by obtaining an average [of at least 2 time points, e.g., baseline (2000/2001) and 2004/2005 and/or 2011/2012] from a food-frequency questionnaire. Nitrate intake was calculated from a validated nitrate database and other published literature. Muscle function was quantified by knee extension strength (KES) and the 8-ft-timed-up-and-go (8ft-TUG) test performed in 2011/2012. Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Generalized linear models and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.Results: Median (IQR) total nitrate intake was 65 (52-83) mg/d, with ∼81% derived from vegetables. Individuals in the highest tertile of nitrate intake (median intake: 91 mg/d) had 2.6 kg stronger KES (11%) and 0.24 s faster 8ft-TUG (4%) compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of nitrate intake (median intake: 47 mg/d; both P < 0.05). Similarly, individuals in the highest tertile of nitrate intake had lower odds for weak KES (adjusted OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.73) and slow 8ft-TUG (adjusted OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.78) compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physical activity did not influence the relationship between nitrate intake and muscle function (KES; P-interaction = 0.86; 8ft-TUG; P-interaction = 0.99).Conclusions: Higher habitual dietary nitrate intake, predominantly from vegetables, could be an effective way to promote lower-limb muscle strength and physical function in men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IoT era necessitated the need for hardware-based security devices due to their strong resistance to hacking compared to software-based systems, which are limited by CPU usage and performance. Hardware-based systems are more unpredictable due to their unique and non-discernible external properties. This research focused on developing a security device based on lead-free metal oxide CaTiO 3 perovskite material with irregular electrical characteristics, known as physical unclonable functions. These irregularities were created by increasing the number of grain boundaries on the device surface through high-temperature annealing, resulting in greater adsorbed oxygen. The outcome was a highly random and unique security key using irregular electrical characteristics with 49.53% uniformity and a 46.55% inter-Hamming distance. • A lead-free CaTiO 3 perovskite material leads to physically unclonable functions. • The irregularities produced by the formation of grain boundaries and oxygen vacancies. • A CaTiO 3 film was investigated by AFM, SEM, XRD, UV–vis, FT-IR, and XPS. • Security keys were achieved with a 49.53% uniformity and a 46.55% inter-HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein intake greater than the currently recommended amount is suggested to improve physical functioning and well-being in older adults, yet it is likely to increase diet-associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) if environmental sustainability is not considered.Objectives: We aimed to identify dietary changes needed to increase protein intake while improving diet environmental sustainability in older adults.Methods: Starting from the habitual diet of 1,354 Dutch older adults (aged 56-101 y) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam cohort, mathematical diet optimization was used to model high-protein diets with minimized departure from habitual intake in cumulative steps. First, a high-protein diet defined as that providing ≥1.2 g protein · kg body weight-1 · d-1 was developed isocalorically while maintaining or improving nutritional adequacy of the diet. Second, adherence to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) was imposed. Third, a stepwise 10% GHGE reduction was applied.Results: Achieving a high-protein diet aligned with the FBDG without considering GHGEs required an increase in vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, meat/dairy alternatives, dairy, and eggs and a reduction in total meat (for men only) and discretionary products, but it resulted in a 5% increase in GHGEs in men and 9% increase in women. When a stepwise GHGE reduction was additionally applied, increases in poultry and pork (mainly for women) and decreases in beef/lamb and processed meat were accrued, with total meat staying constant until a 50-60% GHGE reduction. Increases in whole grains, nuts, and meat/dairy alternatives and decreases in discretionary products were needed to lower GHGEs.Conclusions: A high-protein diet aligned with FBDG can be achieved in concert with reductions in GHGEs in Dutch older adults by consuming no more than the recommended 500 g meat per week while replacing beef and lamb and processed meat with poultry and pork and increasing intake of diverse plant-protein sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with recurrent pain that could lead to abnormal sensory patterns (ASPs).Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare children with SCD who had normal sensory patterns (NSPs) and ASPs in pain experience, physical function, pain coping, and pain catastrophizing.Methods: Children with quantitative sensory testing data were selected from a larger study that examined pain and symptoms in children with SCD. Comparisons were made between children with NSP (n = 35; 13.9 ± 1.9 years) and ASP (n = 13; 12.8 ± 1.9 years). Children completed the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, Functional Disability Inventory, Pain Coping Questionnaire, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale.Results: No significant differences were found in pain intensity (2.9 ± 3.0 vs. 2.6 ± 2.8 on 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale) between the NSP and ASP, respectively. The most common marked pain sites for both groups were lower extremities (22.9%), head and neck (20.8%), and upper extremities (20.8%). Functional Disability Inventory scores were significantly worse in ASP (38.5%) compared with NSP (11.4%). The ASP group had significantly worse scores in emotion-focused pain coping subscales.Conclusion: Children with SCD with ASP had worse functional disability, were expressing more affective pain quality, and had emotion-focused pain coping compared with NSP. Future studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of physical activities on the physical function as well as psychosocial interventions such as peer support and creative arts expression to minimize development of ASP in children with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In animal studies, a meal containing Alaska pollack protein (APP) induces fast-twitch muscle hypertrophy. To our knowledge, no interventional studies have examined the benefits of APP intake on muscle mass and muscle weakness and the prevention of sarcopenia in older individuals. Objectives We evaluated the effects of APP intake on skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance among healthy community-dwelling older Japanese women. Methods In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, healthy women ≥ 65 y old were allocated to an APP or whey protein control (CON) group. Participants ingested test protein meals (5.0–5.1 g protein/serving) daily for 24 wk. Between-group differences in the change of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) as the primary outcome and muscle strength as a secondary outcome were tested using multifrequency BIA and a handheld dynamometer, respectively, at baseline, and 4, 12, and 24 wk. The mean changes in the measured primary and secondary outcome variables from baseline to 4, 12, and 24 wk were compared using unpaired t tests. Results There were no between-group differences in nutritional status, food intake, or total energy and protein intakes at baseline, 12 wk, or 24 wk. The change in SMI was 0.12 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.23 kg/m2) and 0.11 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.19 kg/m2) greater in the APP group than in the CON group at 12 wk and 24 wk (P  ≤ 0.03) and knee extension strength was 0.07 Nm/kg BW (95% CI: 0.02, 0.12 Nm/kg BW) and 0.05 Nm/kg BW (95% CI: 0.00, 0.09 Nm/kg BW) higher in the APP group than in the CON group at these times (P  ≤ 0.015), respectively. The groups did not differ at 4 wk. Conclusions Daily intake of a meal containing APP compared with whey protein increases skeletal muscle mass and lower-extremity muscle strength in healthy older women, suggesting that an APP-containing meal may be useful in the prevention of sarcopenia in this group. This trial was registered at as UMIN000035718. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the incidence of cancers is continuously increasing in young adults. Early-onset cancer (EOC) is usually defined as patients with cancers under the age of 50, and may represent a unique subgroup due to its special disease features. Overall, EOCs often initiate at a young age, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. EOCs also share common epidemiological and hereditary risk factors. In this review, we discuss several representative EOCs which were well studied previously. By revealing their clinical and molecular similarities and differences, we consider the group of EOCs as a unique subtype compared to ordinary cancers. In consideration of EOC as a rising threat to human health, more researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out to further translate into improved outcomes. [Display omitted] • EOCs are considered as a unique subtype compared to other cancers due to clinical and molecular similarities and differences. • EOCs often share common risk factors, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. • More researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For large-scale and integrated CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) structures, under the coupling action of complex thermal/mechanical loads during assembly and service stages, the force transferred among parts and the stress concentration degree would increase. This situation is making the control strategies on internal assembly stress/damage difficult to obtain, and the service performance is also extremely hard to guarantee. For the traditional "Conforming" assembly mode, the geometric dimensional accuracy is taken as the core, and the evolution, degradation failure of assembly physical performance are often neglected. As a result, it is difficult to achieve high-performance of assembled structure and reliable service properties, and the contradiction between on-site manufacturers and design department is increasingly serious. Considering the collaborative constraints of accurate geometric shape, dynamic physical stress and damage, and reliable service function, and aimed at the four detailed technical bottlenecks relevant with mechanical/service performance of CFRP structures, this paper presented and discussed the research status and existing problems for the assembly technology in key procedures (such as geometric tolerance allocation, assembly positioning/clamping and interference joining). Then the specific development ideas and key research directions, i.e. the progressive evolution and interaction mechanism among "structure parameters - assembly process – geometric error - physical performance - service index" were put forward, as well as the regulation on parameter adjustment and performance control principle in design/assembly process were clarified, which could realize the new leap of CFRP product from geometric elements to performance assurance, and expand the boundary of current assembly capability. Finally, benefit results, such as the quantitative controlling on key assembly parameters, the reliable service performance, and the effective guidance on practical assembly operations, could also be gained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In people recovering from traumatic brain injury, is a 3-month ballistic resistance training program targeting three lower limb muscle groups more effective than non-ballistic exercise rehabilitation for improving mobility, strength and balance? Does improved mobility translate to better health-related quality of life? A prospective, multicentre, randomised trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded measurement. A total of 144 people with a neurological movement disorder affecting mobility as a result of traumatic brain injury. For 3 months, the experimental group had three 60-minute sessions of non-ballistic exercise rehabilitation per week replaced by ballistic resistance training. The control group had non-ballistic exercise rehabilitation of equivalent time. The non-ballistic exercise rehabilitation consisted of balance exercises, lower limb stretching, conventional strengthening exercises, cardiovascular fitness training and gait training. The primary outcome was mobility measured using the High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT). Secondary outcomes were walking speed, strength, balance and quality of life. They were measured at baseline (0 months), after completion of the 3-month intervention (3 months) and 3 months after cessation of intervention (6 months). After 3 months of ballistic resistance training, the experimental group scored 3 points (95% CI 0 to 6) higher on the 54-point HiMAT than the control group and remained 3 points (95% CI –1 to 6) higher at 6 months. Although there was a transient decrement in balance at 3 months in the experimental group, the interventions had similar effects on all secondary outcomes by 6 months. Participants with a baseline HiMAT < 27 gained greater benefit from ballistic training: 6 points (1 to 10) on the HiMAT. This randomised trial shows that ballistic resistance training has a similar or better effect on mobility than non-ballistic training in people with traumatic brain injury. It may be better targeted towards those with more severe mobility limitations. ACTRN12611001098921. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with multiple comorbidities have competing health needs that may delay screening for early detection of breast cancer. Our objective was to determine associations between physical functioning and frailty with risk of locally-advanced breast cancer (BC). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women 65 years and older diagnosed with first primary stage I-III BC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare Health Outcome Survey Data Resource. Physical health-related quality of life was measured using Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey scales within two years before diagnosis; frailty was determined by calculating deficit-accumulation frailty index (DAFI) scores. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of locally-advanced (stage III) versus early-stage (I-II) BC. Among 2411 women with a median age of 75 years at BC diagnosis, 2189 (91%) were diagnosed with incident stage I-II BC and 222 (9%) were diagnosed at stage III. Compared to women with early-stage disease, women with locally-advanced BC had lower physical component scores (37.8 vs. 41.4) and more classified as pre-frail or frail (55% vs. 50%). In multivariable models, frailty was not associated with increased risk of locally-advanced disease. However, worse physical function subscale scores (lowest vs. upper quartile; RR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.04–2.34) were associated with risk of locally-advanced BC. Breast cancer screening among non-frail older women should be personalized to include women with limited physical functioning if the benefits of screening and early detection outweigh the potential harms. • Older women have competing health needs that may delay early detection of breast cancer. • Women with locally-advanced disease had lower health-related quality of life prior to diagnosis. • Worse physical functioning was associated with risk of locally-advanced breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Hip fractures are associated with physical dysfunction, and poor quality of life in the elderly. Post-acute care (PAC) would facilitate functional recovery in patients with hip fractures after surgeries. Taiwan has proposed a nationwide PAC program for hip fractures since 2017, but little has been known about its effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the PAC program for hip fracture patients in Taiwan.Methods: This was a prospective study. Patients aged ≥ 65 years with hip fractures after surgeries were recruited and divided into home-based, hospital-based, and control groups. Outcome measures included pain, physical function (sit-to-stand test, Barthel Index [BI], and Harris hip score [HHS]), and quality of life (EuroQol instrument [EQ-5D]). Direct medical and non-medical costs were recorded. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was calculated as the amount of New Taiwanese Dollars (NTDs) paid per BI and EQ-5D unit improvement.Results: Forty-one patients participated in this study, with 17, 12, and 12 in the home-based, hospital-based, and control groups, respectively. The home-based group showed significant improvements in BI and HHS compared to the controls (p = 0.018 and p = 0.029, respectively). The hospital-based group demonstrated significant improvement in EQ-5D compared to the controls (p = 0.015). The home-based PAC program demonstrated the best CER for BI (NTD 554) and EQ-5D (NTD 41948).Conclusion: Both PAC programs would significantly improve the physical function and quality of life in patients with hip fractures. However, the home-based PAC provided the best CER for BI and EQ-5D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new adaptive polynomial chaos expansion technique for surrogate modelling. • Novel basis selection strategy comprising basis expansion, pruning, and refinement. • Automatic and simultaneous selection of training samples and truncation degree. • Sparse representation along with sequential sampling and adaptive basis selection. • Validation using benchmarks and physical model and comparison with existing methods. In this paper, a novel adaptive modelling framework for sparse polynomial chaos expansion is proposed, which can automatically determine adequate truncation degree and training sample set simultaneously. Moreover, the curse of dimensionality issue in polynomial chaos expansion, which generally arises in dealing with high input dimension or large truncation degree, can be alleviated to a large extent. In this framework, a new basis selection strategy, which leverages basis expansion, pruning and refinement, is pursued to adaptively select the polynomial terms of proper degree during the modelling process. Besides, an outstanding sequential sampling strategy is adopted to collect samples of high quality and in relatively small quantity for training polynomial chaos expansion model, and a sparse representation method, Bayesian compressive sensing, is employed for regression calculation. To reconcile the sequential sampling and adaptive basis selection in a consistent framework, a stability evaluation process which works in parallel with the sequential sampling process is performed. The performance of the proposed adaptive modelling framework is evaluated on two benchmark functions and a physical model through comparison with an existing adaptive polynomial chaos expansion modelling technique, a sequential sampling-only approach, and several basis adaptivity strategies. Results demonstrate that the proposed method has high adaptiveness in building surrogate models for various problems. It outperforms the existing adaptive polynomial chaos expansion modelling technique in terms of modelling precision and convergence rate, and it has similar performance with the sequential sampling-only method while lessening the burden in regression calculation and enabling adaptive determination of the truncation degree. Limitations of the proposed method are also summarized after comparing it with various basis adaptivity strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report evaluates whether health related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported arm morbidity one year after axillary surgery are affected by the omission of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The ongoing international non-inferiority SENOMAC trial randomizes clinically node-negative breast cancer patients (T1-T3) with 1–2 sentinel lymph node (SLN) macrometastases to completion ALND or no further axillary surgery. For this analysis, the first 1181 patients enrolled in Sweden and Denmark between March 2015, and June 2019, were eligible. Data extraction from the trial database was on November 2020. This report covers the secondary outcomes of the SENOMAC trial: HRQoL and patient-reported arm morbidity. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23 and Lymph-ICF questionnaires were completed in the early postoperative phase and at one-year follow-up. Adjusted one-year mean scores and mean differences between the groups are presented corrected for multiple testing. Overall, 976 questionnaires (501 in the SLN biopsy only group and 475 in the completion ALND group) were analysed, corresponding to a response rate of 82.6%. No significant group differences in overall HRQoL were identified. Participants receiving SLN biopsy only, reported significantly lower symptom scores on the EORTC subscales of pain, arm symptoms and breast symptoms. The Lymph-ICF domain scores of physical function, mental function and mobility activities were significantly in favour of the SLN biopsy only group. One year after surgery, arm morbidity is significantly worse affected by ALND than by SLN biopsy only. The results underline the importance of ongoing attempts to safely de-escalate axillary surgery. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov prior to initiation (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT 02240472). [Display omitted] • Omission of ALND significantly reduces patient-reported arm morbidity. • SLNB versus ALND results in significant less pain and better physical function. • HRQoL is not affected by de-escalated axillary surgery. • Complaints from axillary surgery are evaluated with patient-reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet of Drones (IoD) is a thriving technology that has found its application in various fields ranging from civilian to military and industries, empowering users to efficiently perform strenuous operations. However, there are multitudinous security concerns in an IoD environment, such as a drone having to exchange vital information with the control station server and respective users over an open unsecured wireless channel. It is indispensable to ensure the security of this sensitive information, on account of which a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF)-based Secure Authentication Scheme for the Internet of Drones (PSECAS) has been suggested in this paper. The security of the proffered scheme has been ensured under the ROR model and AVISPA simulation. Moreover, informal analysis demonstrates that PSECAS fulfills the necessary security requirements and is safe against various adversarial attacks. Finally, a rigorous comparison of PSECAS with other subsisting schemes exemplifies the robustness and superiority of our scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the increasingly pervasive deployment of the Internet of Things(IoT), the cybersecurity of IoT has already attracted more and more research efforts. Identity management is believed to be the fundamental keystone to build security mechanisms. The traditional centralized identity management scheme suffers from a single point of failure and identity forgery. A secure IoT system framework was proposed leveraging blockchain as the basic infrastructure with Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) identifying the sensors uniquely. We brought up a scheme to improve the identity authentication protocol. Experiments showed that our approach was more effective and secure against attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Isovolume maneuver (IVM) trial for regulating respiratory is effective in improving physical activity performance. • After IVM, the breathing rate, heart rate and the use of abdominal breathing during physical activity can be more stable. • The instantaneous phase difference of thoracoabdominal movement can identify breathing patterns during physical activity. (1) Objective: We performed a step test to investigate whether isovolume maneuver (IVM) trial is effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness; (2) Methods: The experiment involved two consecutive step tests in which the IVM was employed between the two tests. The heart rate (HR), breathing rate (BR), instantaneous phase difference (IPD) of thoracoabdominal movement, and physical fitness index (PFI) of the participants were analyzed. We also obtained data on the ascending rate of HR (HR asc), the rate relative to the baseline HR during recovery, and the scores for a modified PFI (mPFI) based on the baseline PFI; (3) Results: We recruited 27 sedentary and healthy college students as participants. The results from the second step-test were compared with the first step-test. The participants' mean HR asc decreased by 30.66 % ± 32.52 %, their mean BR decreased by 13.08 % ± 31.90 %, their mean mPFI increased by 30.78 % ± 38.94 %, and their mean IPD increased by 15.31 % ± 28.44 %; (4) Conclusions: IVM reduced the participants' BR and HR asc and increased their mPFI and IPD. These findings verify that IVM can effectively improve physical activity performance. Furthermore, an IPD of 39° for implementation of abdominal breathing during exercise is a key threshold that warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report important progress in the preparation and development of gas-responsive fluorescent materials with potential as efficient anticancer treatments and fluorescent probes for biomedical imaging. An environmental stimuli-responsive multifunctional material (ESMM) composed of rhodamine 6 G containing a pH-sensitive spirolactam unit and a self-complementary multiple hydrogen-bonded adenine group was successfully synthesized through a simple and efficient two-step synthetic pathway. ESMM has extremely poor water solubility, even in a weakly acidic aqueous environment, but can easily dissolve in common organic solvents. Due to the unique polar heteroaromatic structure of the adenine group that confers chemical reactivity (or responsiveness) with CO 2 , hydrophobic ESMM can rapidly and completely dissolve in water on simple CO 2 bubbling treatment, which is followed by formation of self-assembled spherical-like nanoparticles. The resulting nanoparticles demonstrate unique spontaneous fluorescent characteristics in water and their photophysical properties, surface charge, acid-base characteristics, and self-assembled morphology can be quickly and stably switched on and off by alternating cycles of CO 2 and N 2 bubbling, to thus effectively manipulate their physical performance. Importantly, in vitro cell assays clearly indicated that protonation of the adenine group by CO 2 remarkably enhances the anti-hemolytic properties of ESMM and results in highly potent and selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells at low doses, but not in normal cells. In contrast, pristine ESMM did not exhibit selective cytotoxic effect on normal or cancer cells. Therefore, this newly discovered CO 2 -responsive system may have a great potential to improve the safety and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs. [Display omitted] • Multifunctional adenine-containing rhodamine 6 G (AR) was developed. • AR spontaneously self-assembles into nanoparticles on CO 2 bubbling. • CO 2 -protonated AR has low hemolytic activity towards red blood cells. • CO 2 -treated AR exhibits highly selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells. • This new system holds potential for safer, more efficient chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical treatment of spinal metastases has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with sarcopenia based on low skeletal muscle mass. We assessed physical performance using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scale and the Barthel Index on the 30th day after palliative surgery for spinal metastases and investigated the effectiveness of surgery according to sarcopenia assessed by skeletal muscle mass. We retrospectively analyzed 78 consecutive patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery. The value of the area of the psoas major muscle at the L3 level normalized by the vertebral area was divided into first, middle, and third tertiles. Clinical variables were compared by tertile. Variables affecting the 30-day good performance status were investigated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The 30-day morbidity rates were 50%, 38.5%, and 15.4% by tertile. The 30-day mortality rate was 2%; all were in the first tertile. Good preoperative performance status scores were seen in 15.4% of first and 50% of third tertile patients. Postoperatively, the performance status improved in all groups, with 30.8%, 65.4%, and 92.3% by tertile. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a good preoperative performance status (OR: 15.50, 95% CI: 1.610–149.00, P < 0.05) and the value of the area of the psoas major muscle at the L3 level normalized by the vertebral area not in the first tertile (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06–0.82, P < 0.05) were significant predictors of a good postoperative 30-day performance status. A good preoperative performance status and exclusion from the first tertile were clinical factors predicting a good postoperative 30-day performance status. In patients with large psoas muscle mass (third tertile), a good 30-day performance status can be expected after surgery, suggesting that surgery in this population should be pursued aggressively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) introduced the concept of locomotive syndrome (LS), which indicates a decline in mobility function by musculoskeletal disorders with new 3-staged category. Additionally, sarcopenia indicates a decline in the quantity and/or quality of skeletal muscle. However, the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and LS or sarcopenia in older people has not been sufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between them through a cross-sectional locomotorium survey. A total of 302 participants were drawn from the aquatic exercise participants in a rural area of Japan. The body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), spinal inclination angle (SIA), grip strength, timed up-and-go test (TUG), and maximum stride of the participants were measured. LBP and LBP-related quality of life (QOL) were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) of LBP, and the Short-Form 8 (SF-8). Associations between the investigating parameters and sarcopenia or LS were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the findings except grip strength between the non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups. However, the LS group showed significantly larger SIA, higher ODI, higher VAS of LBP, lower physical component score (PCS) of the SF-8, longer time in TUG, and lower value in maximum stride than the non-LS group. In addition, the ODI and PCS of the SF-8 significantly deteriorated as the LS stage progressed, and the GLFS-25 score was significantly correlated with ODI (r = 0.706, p < 0.001) and PCS (r = −0.643, p < 0.001) scores. LBP, LBP-related QOL, and physical performance were found to be significantly associated with LS, not sarcopenia, with LBP-related QOL and physical function being closely correlated with 3-stage categories of LS. Thus, these results suggested that LBP is a key factor for LS prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides an update to the recommendations for physiotherapy management for adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the acute hospital setting. It includes: physiotherapy workforce planning and preparation; a screening tool for determining requirement for physiotherapy; and recommendations for the use of physiotherapy treatments and personal protective equipment. New advice and recommendations are provided on: workload management; staff health, including vaccination; providing clinical education; personal protective equipment; interventions, including awake proning, mobilisation and rehabilitation in patients with hypoxaemia. Additionally, recommendations for recovery after COVID-19 have been added, including roles that physiotherapy can offer in the management of post-COVID syndrome. The updated guidelines are intended for use by physiotherapists and other relevant stakeholders caring for adult patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the acute care setting and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 50% of Americans and 70% of US military service members use dietary supplements (DSs).Objectives: This cross-sectional survey examined current prevalence of and factors associated with DS use in service members.Methods: A stratified random sample of 200,000 service members from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy was obtained from military manpower records, and these service members were asked to complete a questionnaire on their DS use and personal characteristics. Chi-square statistics and multivariable logistic regression examined differences across various strata of demographic, lifestyle, and military characteristics.Results: About 18% of successfully contacted service members (n = 26,681) completed the questionnaire between December 2018 and August 2019 (mean ± SD age: 33 ± 8 y, 86% male). Overall, 74% reported using ≥1 DS/wk. Multivitamins/multiminerals were the most commonly used DSs (45%), followed by combination products (44%), proteins/amino acids (42%), individual vitamins/minerals (31%), herbals (20%), joint health products (9%), and purported prohormones (5%). In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with DS use included female gender [OR (female/male): 1.91; 95% CI: 1.73, 2.11], older age [OR (≥40/18-24 y): 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.44], higher education level [OR (college degree/high school or less): 1.35; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.53], higher BMI [OR (≥30/<25 kg/m2): 1.37; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.52], more weekly resistance training [OR (>300/≤45 min/wk): 5.05; 95% CI: 4.55, 5.61], smokeless tobacco use [OR (user/nonuser): 1.30; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.44], higher alcohol intake [OR (≥72/0 mL/wk): 1.41; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.54], and higher military rank [OR (senior officer/junior enlisted): 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.51].Conclusions: Compared with civilian data from the NHANES, service members were much more likely to use DSs and used different types of DSs, especially combination products and proteins/amino acids often used to purportedly enhance physical performance. Comparisons with previous military data suggest DS use has increased over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph neural networks (GNNs) are emerging in chemical engineering for the end-to-end learning of physicochemical properties based on molecular graphs. A key element of GNNs is the pooling function which combines atom feature vectors into molecular fingerprints. Most previous works use a standard pooling function to predict a variety of properties. However, unsuitable pooling functions can lead to unphysical GNNs that poorly generalize. We compare and select meaningful GNN pooling methods based on physical knowledge about the learned properties. The impact of physical pooling functions is demonstrated with molecular properties calculated from quantum mechanical computations. We also compare our results to the recent set2set pooling approach. We recommend using sum pooling for the prediction of properties that depend on molecular size and compare pooling functions for properties that are molecular size-independent. Overall, we show that the use of physical pooling functions significantly enhances generalization. • Physical pooling functions enhance property prediction of graph neural networks. • Physical understanding of learned properties helps selecting meaningful pooling functions. • Physical pooling functions demonstrated with properties from quantum mechanics. • Recommendation: use sum pooling function for molecular size-dependent properties • Recommendation: compare sum, mean, and max pooling functions for size-independent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to illustrate the correlations of performance and wake dynamics in multi-rotor configurations and explain the induced circulation (IC), the quantification factor for wake interactions. A series of parametric studies are performed considering cross- and plus-type quadrotors to analyze the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics. The performance and tip vortex structure of each rotor are different according to each interaction relation. Total circulation is classified into the rotor-, wake-, and motion-induced components using the IC concept. Overall, the wake- and motion-IC primarily influence the rotor performance; however, the interaction effect is negligible as the advance ratio and incidence angle increase. In this study, the complex wake dynamics of multi-rotors are classified in terms of each interaction component. The physical relations of performance, wake dynamics, and IC can be fundamental steps toward wake interaction models for multi-rotor configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]